Fred Thompson's former backers lose faith: "It’s almost like he doesn’t want it"

Some House Backers of Thompson Are Starting to Lose the Faith



Several House Republicans who endorsed Fred Thompson for president now say that they are frustrated with what they view as an apathetic campaign, and at least one regrets having committed to the former Tennessee senator. “I think he’s kind of done a belly flop,” said an estranged Thompson backer who indicated he will not pull his public support before the “Super Tuesday” primaries. “We’ll just wait till after Feb. 5 because I think he’s going to get beat.”

The disaffected members of team Thompson say he has failed to put to rest whispers that he is unwilling to campaign hard enough to win the presidency. “He seems to be perpetuating it instead of defeating it,” another dissatisfied Thompson backer said. “I can’t see me bailing on him, but there’s some frustration.”

Political endorsements mean little in and of themselves. But actively engaged elected officials can use their own networks to help boost a presidential candidate’s chances in their district or state, according to political experts. “It often times gives entrée to that person’s own fundraising network and to be able to tap into that person’s knowledge of how to win that particular geography,” said Susan A. MacManus, a political science professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

Some of Thompson’s endorsers say they aren’t lifting a finger. “I’ve kind of pulled back. I’m not not supporting him, but I’m not doing anything,” said a third lawmaker. What could be even more troubling for Thompson is what that lawmaker said GOP activists outside the capital Beltway are saying: “Now they’re calling me and saying ‘What’s he doing?’ It’s almost like he doesn’t want it.”

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=cqmidday-000002631203

to placate his trophy wife's aspirations.

I hope Fred lasts longer at home for his wife than he did as a presidential contender....pitiful, just pitiful.

I get suspicious when very young, attractive women tie themselves to powerful old men. If Thompson doesn't deliver her aspirations or whatever she's interested in him about, she is not going to be around him for long.

And as you note, there is a good chance she will cast a wandering eye for a better investment once the campaign quits flopping on the ground and finally expires. St. Rudy of 9/11 always seems willing to consider new 'partners'.

and I know some feminist DUers will be rubbed the wrong way by the underlying theme here, but that's just real life. There are scheming women out there...just as there are scheming opportunist men out there. Something about his wife gives me the impression that she's an "Anna Nicole Smith" type. She's attracted to power and her personally fantasy is to be the First Lady married to the President. Seems like Thompson doesn't share that fantasy.

The same could be said about Dennis K.

Much harder than saying a few lines every week.

zalinda

LOL!:rofl:

race for the nomination. Find out who KKKarl Rove is supporting and you will know their candidate. I believe the Neocon war mongers are backing Gulaini as the new emperor w/o a brain.

Between Ghouliani and Romney ... Obviously, the MSM is under orders to pimp Ghouliani and he has FOX and the neocons backing him, but Romney has a lot of key Bushco elements behind him ...

It is going to be real intersting in the primaries, Romney is doing the right thing focusing on the early primaries, and Ghouliani is playing for Super Tuesday ... IF it goes to Minnestota unresolved, then we will know for SURE who is the power brokers choice ...

I just don't see the Lying Party of Corruption and War getting their act together very well this time, and I think that favors Romney; just a feeling.

target for Rovian tricks and the Neocons will do anything to continue their quest for world domination.

...if it weren't for the fact that Rove took himself out of the spotlight, I am sure you'd see him taking a direct hand in guiding Giulian's campaign. As it is, he's probably there in "stealth mode."

who is responsible for the negative push-polls, makes me think it is a Rovian trick to make them both look bad. I believe we will see many more dirty Rove-like tricks on Romney and McCain.

Besides I believe the Neocons support Guiliani and I believe Rove works for the Neocons.

...so as long as Rove...or anyone who's read through his playbook...keeps pushing the right buttons, he can deflect attention from Rudy's shortcomings.

:patriot:

I'm surprised he hasn't claimed to be under 35, just so he's out of the running.

and we all know five or ten minutes a week is better than 24/7 for a lot less pay. Fred is another "all hat no cattle" kinda of guy.

The writer's strike in Hollywood has put a damper on his ability to make speeches.

Without a script, he's an empty sack.

Perhaps the rigors of the campaign trail don't suit Fred. Plus, he'd have to debate one of our Democrats and thick as he is, even HE knows we'd kick his worthless fanny from one end of Tennesse to the other.

No one yells "CUT!" after a campaign speech.
The thing keeps going, and he's tired.